But respected media sources including the specialist Auto Motor und Sport and Switzerland’s Blick claim Dutchman Giedo van der Garde, who like Ericsson is heavily sponsored, will be the second Sauber race driver next season.

“There is a lot of speculation,” Sutil said, referring to rumours Sauber will have no option but to run pay-drivers in 2015.

“Of course the situation in the team is not easy, but I hope they will be in a better way soon.” (GMM)